Blake Lively’s Subtle Message? Selfie with Ryan Reynolds Set to ‘Wild Horses’ Amid Explosive Lawsuit Drama

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, a Hollywood power couple known for their playful public personas, shared a heartfelt moment with fans on March 16, 2025, through an intimate selfie posted to Lively’s Instagram Stories. In the image, Lively rests her head against Reynolds, both smiling in a cozy pose. Reynolds, sporting a colorful knit sweater and a light blue beanie adorned with “Wrexham Lager”—a brand tied to the Welsh soccer team co-owned by him and Rob McElhenney—exudes a casual yet warm vibe. The post was accompanied by the Rolling Stones’ iconic 1971 ballad Wild Horses, a song that speaks to themes of love, endurance, and perseverance, which could be seen as a subtle public statement of the couple’s unity amid a difficult period.

The Timing of the Post

While the selfie appears lighthearted, the timing of the post adds a layer of complexity. The couple’s social media moment comes amidst Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director from the 2024 film It Ends with Us. The choice of Wild Horses could be interpreted as a symbolic gesture, signaling strength and resilience during a turbulent time, though neither Lively nor Reynolds made explicit reference to the lawsuit in the post. For fans following the legal drama, this addition of a rock ballad could be seen as an emotional undertone underscoring their solidarity.

The Legal Dispute with Justin Baldoni

The backdrop to Lively’s Instagram update is a high-profile and contentious legal dispute with Baldoni, stemming from accusations Lively made against him in December 2024. Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends with Us. She alleged that Baldoni’s inappropriate behavior caused significant emotional distress for her and her family, leading to a meeting in January 2024 that included Reynolds. In this meeting, Lively claimed that after raising her concerns, Baldoni retaliated by orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation, which reportedly involved crisis PR professionals.

In response, Baldoni has vigorously denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” He has filed multiple lawsuits, including a $400 million defamation suit against Lively and Reynolds, as well as a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times for their coverage of the issue. These lawsuits have escalated the conflict into a high-stakes battle of public relations and legal proceedings.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

As of March 17, 2025, the legal proceedings are still ongoing, with a trial set for March 2026. The case has attracted significant media attention, and the involvement of celebrities like Taylor Swift, a close friend of Lively, has only intensified the public interest. In fact, Baldoni’s lawyer has suggested that Swift may testify during the trial, adding an unexpected twist to the already high-profile case.

Amidst this turmoil, Lively has continued her professional commitments, recently attending the premiere of Another Simple Favor at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 7, 2025. Her social media recap from the event celebrated the experience, thanking the audience for the “rock concert” energy, signaling her commitment to her career despite the ongoing legal challenges.

Reynolds’ Support and Public Solidarity

Reynolds has shown unwavering support for his wife throughout the ordeal. Sources close to the couple suggest they are facing the legal battle together as a united front. This solidarity is reflected in the selfie, which could be interpreted as a public show of their resilience. Despite claims from Baldoni’s side suggesting Reynolds was involved in aggressive confrontations during meetings, the couple’s social media presence remains focused on their personal bond, underscoring their strength as partners.

Cultural Context and Media Scrutiny

The dispute between Lively and Baldoni has sparked debates about potential cultural misunderstandings. Some sources have suggested that Baldoni’s behavior, which may have included personal sharing during meetings, could have been misinterpreted by Lively, given differing cultural expectations on set. One executive even described the environment at Wayfarer Studios—Baldoni’s production company—as one where personal storytelling was a common part of the creative process, which might not have aligned with Lively’s expectations. This adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation, highlighting the challenges of navigating personal and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ recent Instagram selfie, set to the poignant strains of Wild Horses, speaks volumes about the couple’s unity and resilience during a difficult period. The timing of the post, set against the backdrop of Lively’s legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, may serve as a subtle yet powerful public statement of their strength. As the legal battle continues to unfold, their social media presence remains focused on their support for one another, offering a glimpse into their enduring partnership amidst the pressure of public scrutiny and legal drama.